Workforce Connections Action Item

DATE:	Tuesday, August 20, 2019
TO:	School Board Members
FROM:	Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Purchase of English Discoveries Seat/Licenses from Techno-Ware, Inc. (Sole-Source Provider) (Workforce Connections)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The English Discoveries program is designed to target the Adult Education English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) student population to assist them in developing English language proficiency.  This program includes 10 levels, including low, intermediate, and advance levels so it can be utilized with all Adult Education students. English Discoveries will supplement the adult ESOL curriculum standards in improving student English language skills as well as assisting Adult General Education (AGE) Development. It should be noted that English Discoveries is named in the AGE Grant. In addition, it will be used by Career and Technical Education (CTE) students who lack English Language proficiency to assist them to succeed in CTE classes. In accordance with the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE), Purchasing Policy 6A-1.012(12)(d), commodities or contractual services available only from a single source may be exempted from the competitive solicitation requirements. When a district school board believes that commodities or contractual services are available only from a single source as specified by the FLDOE, the district school board may negotiate on the best terms and conditions with the single source vendor. Sole-source suppliers are reviewed annually for expenditures and possible new entries to the market.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Provide a student-centered learning environment that engages every child
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Funding for this program is budgeted and available in the amount of $120,000 in the AGE Grants. This amount covers licensing cost for the 2019/2020 school year.
EVALUATION
All Adult Education ESOL students will be tested for English proficiency prior to class placement. Once placed, classroom instruction through various methodologies will be evaluated through continued regular assessments to determine student growth and proficiency.  Last fiscal year, there were 2,917 unique student users registered in the program that earned 42,494 online contact hours.
SUBMITTED BY:  Josalyn M. Loango, Director, Adult Education

Warren S. Brooks		Gretchen Saunders
Workforce Connections Officer, Workforce Connections (813) 231-1860		Chief Business Officer (813) 272-4270
		B 6.15
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20190820_929 (Board Meeting) * Section B Item# 6.15